Li Xijun had waited on the peak for several months. As the grand formation over the lake was steadily perfected, he sat in the hall reading the *True Commentary on the Sexagenary Sword Canon*. Beside him, Li Qinghong kept her eyes closed and held her breath, holding the Six Lightning Profound Punishment Tokens to commune with them.
She had spent a great deal of time refining these six silver-white tokens. Their six silver rays had coalesced into a single stream, forming a misty halo of silver light that rested in her palm, with lightning lurking within, appearing mysterious and profound.
The Six Lightning Profound Punishment Tokens were magnificent magical artifacts, but they hailed from ancient times, when the magic arts still carried nuances of formations and shamanic methods. Li Qinghong had little talent in either discipline, making her study of them rather grueling.
Yet she had never been one to shrink from hardship, simply holding the tokens and focusing her mind.
On the other side of the hall, Li Ximing sipped from his teacup, closely studying an alchemy manual. Aside from a single inheritance from the Xiao family, he possessed no alchemy heritage of any great stature. With his alchemy cultivation currently at a standstill, reading served merely to pass the time. He, too, had been summoned early in the morning by Li Xijun. Calculating the date, today was the day to set foot upon the islet, and it coincided with the ancestral sacrifice—a major event he naturally could not miss.
After a period of contemplation, Li Qinghong slowly opened her eyes and asked softly, "Jun'er, have we invited other families to attend the ceremony?"
Li Xijun replied, "Wangyue's unification is a joyous occasion, yet we should not make a great display. Of the Three Sects and Seven Gates, we have only invited Senior Kong Tingyun of Xuanyue, and sent messengers to Mount Xianyou and Mount Yu. However, the Xiao family has sealed their mountain, so whether we can secure their presence remains uncertain."
He added in a low voice, "Inviting Senior Kong Tingyun is first to discuss affairs of the northern shore, and second to inquire about the matter regarding the East Sea."
All three in the hall knew well what the East Sea matter meant: it was the disciple of Changxiao Gate who had been troubling the Li family. He was a Daoist of an immortal sect; they could by no means rashly kill and rob him, but had to maneuver and handle the situation carefully no matter what.
As he was answering, a guard outside the hall entered to report that Chen Donghe had arrived to deliver his report.
Li Xijun set down the scroll in his hand. Chen Donghe entered from outside the hall, bowed, and stepped forward to present a jade slip.
"The clans along the western shore have been completely reorganized," Chen Donghe reported. "There are seventy-one families in total, seventeen Qi Refinement cultivators, eighty-one minor peaks and valleys, eighty-seven towns, and over eight hundred and ten thousand people."
"Simen Peak has ordinary spiritual energy, while three of the remaining peaks are usable. Four prefectures have already been established along the western shore to govern the clans."
"However, the western shore is as barren as a scorched plain. Very few spiritual items could be collected; one entire household did not possess even a scrap of spiritual goods from top to bottom. Yet we secured three hundred and forty-one cultivation manuals! Though only one contains Qi Refinement methods, the number of Embryonic Breathing manuals far exceeds the sum of the other three shores!"
Li Xijun finally showed a look of delight and gave a nod of acknowledgment. Chen Donghe handed up the jade slip and continued his explanation. Li Xijun examined it closely: aside from Simen Peak, which was dedicated to artifact refinement, only the eight hundred and ten thousand mortals and over three hundred manuals held real value along the western shore. Spiritual fields were scarce there, so naturally there was little in the way of fine goods.
"This was left behind by the Jinyu Sect; I am already aware of it," Li Xijun said, gesturing for Chen Donghe to wait to one side.
Soon after, An Siwei entered to report. Seeing his apprehension, Li Xijun comforted him gently: "An Zheyan's punishment is not heavy; he was merely dispatched to the Great Desert. The fine in spirit stones and spirit rice is somewhat taxing for the An family, but hardly crippling."
An Siwei bowed respectfully, a visible hint of relief and joy showing on his face.
"Around this time, your father is also returning from the Great Desert; it will be a good chance to gather," Li Xijun remarked warmly, then nodded and told him to wait aside as well.
After half a quarter-hour, Li Chengliao entered from outside the hall. He had already shed his heavy cloak, wearing a deep red pleated robe of a darker shade, tied at the waist with a sash and draped in a white mourning robe, appearing crisp and capable.
Li Xijun was always a meticulous observer. A few days ago, he had taken extra note of Li Chenghuai's navy-blue robe. Seeing that Li Chengliao was dressed in the same style, he relaxed his grip on the jade slip and said gently, "This new fashion in the clan—wearing pleated robes and broad attire—is rather handsome and dignified."
Li Chengliao hurriedly explained, feeling somewhat apprehensive, "Replying to Uncle: our clan's members have grown numerous, and the system across the peaks has expanded. In the past, everyone wore loose robes; while ethereal, they lacked proper formality. When receiving various prominent families, pleated robes are commonly worn in Jiangbei and north of Yue, which are far more orderly than flowing robes."
It was not that Li Xijun was excessively stern, prompting Li Chengliao to offer such an explanation. Rather, the Li clan rules were notoriously strict: harsh toward the main line and restrictive with branch lines. Seeking self-indulgence was considered a transgression, and the closer one was to the direct lineage, the more scrutiny was applied; over the years, quite a few had fallen into the hands of the Clan Rectory. Li Chengliao's father, Li Xicheng, had set an example with his life, his death recorded in the clan's annals; Li Chengliao would never want Li Xijun to misunderstand and tarnish his father's honor.
Li Xijun frowned slightly in secret, feeling that the clan rules were overly harsh if even the clan head was terrified to such a degree. He instructed, "It is good to have order. Establish clear regulations so that attire is fixed, saving unnecessary trouble. Specify in the Clan Rectory the maximum allowances for disciples of each branch, setting explicit boundaries. Our family is strict, yet our clansmen must not be framed or wronged easily."
Li Ximing nodded repeatedly from the side, and Li Chengliao respectfully agreed.
Li Chengliao then drew a map from his sleeve. In the center was Lake Wangyue, roughly oval in shape and slightly indented to the south. Eighteen territories were neatly and clearly delineated, with their names inscribed in handsome seal script, appearing exceptionally well-ordered.
"The system of prefectures and peaks has been reorganized," Li Chengliao reported. "In the eastern dense forests, there are seven prefectures and one mountain; in the west at Simen, four prefectures; in the south, the former lands form four prefectures; in the north, the Fei family's two prefectures govern seven peaks. Qingdu and Mount Yuting each form their own administration. In total, eighteen prefectures and two peaks are all accounted for here."
"The western shore's four prefectures have 810,000 people. On the southern shore, the Shanyue and Xitan total 1,780,000 people. The prefectures of Wutu, Lijing, and Huaqian have 910,000 people. The eastern shore's dense forests have not yet recovered, holding 740,000 people. The northern shore's precipitous mountains hold 370,000 people."
"In total, four million seven hundred thousand people!"
Li Xijun studied the map for a while, his heart gradually settling. He looked at the faces around him and murmured, "The dense forest is a fertile plain, the richest land around the lake. After years of warfare, its population was sparse. Given a few decades of nurturing, exceeding two million will not be a problem."
He then asked, "Has a name been prepared for Lake Central Islet?"
Li Chengliao answered, "Not yet."
Li Ximing shook his head. He cared little for such names, thinking that continuing to call it Lake Central Islet would do no harm. Li Xijun, however, smiled and said warmly, "This Lake Central Islet will eventually have mountains relocated to it, raising the spiritual leylines well above the water. Why not call it Pingya Islet?"
Li Chengliao said, "That name carries immense weight."
Li Xijun said with emotion, "Back then, Yu Mujian even dared to provoke Uncle Tongya in front of everyone! The Yu family was only somewhat polite to us out of regard for the Sword Immortal's face, never imagining this day would come! Aunt, in the span of a hundred years, the four shores of the lake have all fallen under our clan's dominion!"
Li Qinghong nodded gently.
Just then, Li Chenghuai stepped forward to report. Bowing respectfully to Li Xijun, he said, "The lake's grand array, the Qingyuan Pingyi Array, has been erected. I have escorted the formation masters home, expending two hundred and seventeen spirit stones."
An ordinary Qi Refinement grand formation cost just over a hundred spirit stones. Lake Central Islet was truly vast, costing over two hundred stones. Fortunately, having paid no tribute in recent years, the Li family's reserves were abundant, leaving over two hundred spirit stones even after establishing this array.
Li Xijun nodded in approval, naturally raising no objection.
With Li Chenghuai's report delivered, Li Xijun rose from the seat of honor, descended the steps, and instructed softly, "Go invite the elders and leaders to come. Lake Wangyue has returned to unity; it is time to board the islet."
***
"The large boats are ready. The various branches are boarding from Lijing, Huaqian, Huazhong, and other places, setting out toward the islet."
The dam along the lakeshore bustled with people. The large boats moored by the bank cast vast shadows under the sunlight, enveloping the crowds as those below looked up.
At the bow of the boat, the one-armed elder Li Qiuyang stood leisurely, an easy smile on his weathered face. Watching the people board while the surrounding cultivators bustled about seeing them off, no one hurried him.
Every wound upon the elder had its story—scars from the marketplace, injuries from demonic cultivators, wounds from exterminating demons—not one was not earned in service to the clan. The arm he lost had been incinerated by Combined Fire when intercepting Xu Xiao. Li Chengliao understood this full well and stood respectfully at his side.
Elder Qiuyang stroked his beard with his single arm. Though he rarely spoke in daily life, his status was by no means low. He waved his single arm to indicate that Li Chengliao need not fuss over him, a smile creasing his sun-drenched face.
Once the boarding was complete, the sails were hoisted, and the boats made their way into the expanse of the lake.
Elder Qiuyang stood looking out. In the sky above, several streaks of light flashed past in succession. He chuckled softly, gazing into the distance, and remarked, "That is our Li family's Lake Wangyue."
His sharp old eyes could tell at a glance that the figures in the clouds were no ordinary people, yet lacking wide familiarity with the various great houses, he could not recognize them all. He asked the young An family lad beside him, "Lad of the An family, take a look and tell me who those Foundation Establishment cultivators up in the sky are."
The young man replied, "Our family only invited the Xiao family and Xuanyue. As for the true faces of the Foundation Establishment cultivators, I do not know either. But looking at that female cultivator in xiang-colored robes, she is probably from Xuanyue Gate."
Beneath their feet, clear green waters rippled and the scenery was boundless. Mist rose over the broad waters, reeds swayed, and white vapors billowed. Taking in the thousand li of lakes and marshes, the elder was deeply moved.
Elder Qiuyang had witnessed so much, keeping every peril along the clan's path etched in his heart. Among everyone boarding the boats, he was the most emotional. When the large boat berthed at the islet and he beheld the lush grass and fertile fields, he turned and said with a laugh, "What a magnificent islet! Back then, when I accompanied Uncle Tongya on patrols over the lake, this place was shrouded in thunder and fire. The Yu and Fei families were at their peak, each anchored by Foundation Establishment cultivators. How formidable they were! Our family has been on the lake for a century. Five branches advanced wave upon wave, dedicating their very lives, yet the foundation for this hegemony was laid down by my two great-uncles, and later carried forward by my grandfather."
Elder Qiuyang let out an "Oh" of wonder as he caught sight of a high platform on the islet and headed toward its base. An old man in gray-blue robes with a sword at his waist stepped up through the wind to greet them, looking taciturn.
Li Chengliao assigned his men and followed behind him, heading into the islet together. Across the sky, a woman in lake-colored robes rode past a golden light, leaving behind a brilliant radiance.
***
Meanwhile, Li Xijun descended through the air driving cold snow, escorting two guests down.
A streak of golden light sped over as Kong Tingyun, dressed in xiang-colored robes, descended from midair. First offering condolences for past bereavements, she then offered congratulations.
Behind her, a middle-aged man stepped forward, calling out somewhat somberly, "Qingxiao."
The late Qi Refinement woman before him was none other than his daughter, Li Qingxiao! In her memory, it felt as though more than half a century had passed since they had last seen each other.
Father and daughter met, both feeling as though in a dream. Kong Tingyun pursed her lips. Behind her, a young man stepped forward with spirited eyes, possessing Foundation Establishment cultivation, and respectfully bowed: "Two seniors."
Li Qingxiao did not recognize him at all, only understanding that the Foundation Establishment cultivator before her was Kong Tingyun's son, and responded stiffly. Li Xijun spoke a few soothing words to ease the atmosphere, then led the group up toward the platform.
***
In terms of the sacrifice alone, this year was not particularly lavish. The Cheng and Ming generations had suffered heavy casualties, and the children of the Jiang generation had not yet reached the proper age. As in past years, they simply sought out Qi Refinement spirit beasts for the sacrifice, which was considered conventional and proper.
Elder Qiuyang remained deeply stirred. As a clan elder of the Li family, he was naturally permitted to participate in the sacrifice close to the high platform. Watching two spirit beasts hauled up by iron chains, waiting at the side, he thought to himself, *This is our first year coming onto the islet; the clan's tradition continues!*
Standing at the very summit of the platform, Li Qinghong, dressed in feather garments and bearing a silver spear, exuded a unique majesty. She felt a gentle joy as she watched the two beasts dragged up. Below, Li Chengliao completed the various ritual rites and raised the jade knife.
This was her first time participating in the sacrifice as the paramount figure of authority and cultivation in the Li family. It was not as difficult as she had imagined—almost excessively simple—yet her heart was not light. Watching the series of rituals conclude, she exhaled softly.
*Fortunately, talisman pills do not condense immediately now, but condense within the magical mirror, only bestowed when sought through prayer. Otherwise, without Chengliao knowing the inner truth, it would be truly difficult to manage.*
She ought to have informed Chengliao of the matter, but within the clan, only those who had received the Immortal Mirror's talisman seed were immune to divine abilities. The Li family had gradually caught the eyes of various Violet Palace masters; if Li Chengliao were to learn the details, disaster might ensue in the end. Back then, the Xiao family already possessed a Violet Palace master, yet Chi Buzi still dared to question Xiao Guitu with his divine ability. Her own clan had to be all the more cautious!
Having concluded the sacrificial affairs, she rode the thunder aloft, halting in the air above Lake Central Islet. To the north, snow-clad peaks towered; to the west, dense populations and cultivators bustled to and fro; to the east, immortal mountains rose above a thousand li of fertile plains; to the south, thick jungles and Shanyue tribes spread across the land. All lay beneath her gaze.
Her Li family now had four hundred and eleven Embryonic Breathing cultivators, one hundred and forty-seven miscellaneous qi cultivators, eighty-one Qi Refinement cultivators, and eight Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Though today's ceremony was more symbolic than practical, she gazed fixedly across the vast expanse for a long, quiet while.
Chapter 628